Social Science BA(Hons)

Overview

Social Science is a very flexible degree, and allows students to choose from a wide range of modules in applied psychology, criminology, health and social care, politics and social policy. These are then combined with a set of sociological and social research modules, which focus on core debates and issues across the social sciences.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)

UCAS code L540
Course content

Course structure

The degree aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding in general sociological theories and social research methods, while giving them the opportunity to choose an area of applied social science in which to exercise that knowledge and understanding.
These option choices can be focused on one area, for example criminology or psychology, throughout the degree. Alternatively, students can choose to take a variety of options drawn from different areas of applied social science.
There is great emphasis on developing both academic and vocational skills.
Opportunities are available for exchange study in France, Spain, Sweden and the USA. Students with competence in Spanish and/or French are particularly welcome.

Areas of study

Year 1 introduces the key social sciences of sociology, psychology, and economics along with social research methods.
Year 2 continues this exploration by deepening students' understanding of key perspectives in sociological theory and social research methods. Students choose options in the applied social sciences of criminology, psychology, social policy, and environmentalism. There is an opportunity to take a vocationally-oriented placement, and to investigate in depth topics of interest within the applied social sciences.
The year 3 dissertation gives students a chance to analyse at length a topic of interest within their area of study. The dissertation is supported by other modules, and students broaden and deepen their understanding of their optional areas of applied social science.

Syllabus

Year 1
Sociological Imaginations
Contemporary Social Inequalities
ICT for the Social Sciences
Foundations of Sociology
Social Science Research Methods
One from:
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies
Social Policy and Social Welfare
What is Politics? / Politics in Brighton
One from:
Social Policy
Human Needs and Social Problems
Developmental Psychology
Theories of Crime
The UK Political System
Year 2
Theorising the Social World
Research project
Community Participation and Development or Analysis and Review
One from:
Social Psychology
Criminologies of Crime Control
History and Social Policy
Comparative Politics
One from:
Transcultural Issues in Crime and Justice
Critical Psychology: Theory and Method
Sociology and the Life Course
Social Justice, Welfare and Wellbeing
Political Ideas
Year 3
Sociological Analysis: Critical Methodologies
Dissertation
One from:
Policy Analysis
Psychology and Social Change
Critical Criminology and Criminal Justice
Global Social Policy
Environmental Politics
Health Policy in the UK
Ecopsychology
One from:
Cyberpsychology
Developing a Therapeutic Relationship
Transport, Environment and Society
Sociological Analysis: Concepts and Theories
Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice
The Global Political Architecture
Critical Addiction Studies
Community Participation and Development
Care, Ethics and Social Policy
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
BBB. Applicants with only two A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate:
32 points.
QAA-approved access course:
acceptable.
GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
/HNC direct to year 2 or 3 provided content is relevant.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Other:
relevant professional experience.
Location

Location Falmer
Career opportunities

A variety of careers is open to social science graduates, depending on which applied areas they choose. Potential vocations include educational psychology, health psychology, occupational psychology, social work, research or management in pressure and interest groups, local government, personnel management, the probation service, the prison service and the police.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Social Science [L1EA005]

UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
International (Full Time) 12,500 GBP
More details

Excellent Facilities

The School of Applied Social Science is located on the attractive Falmer campus, only four miles from central Brighton. Facilities at Falmer include a state of the art computer centre, extensive library and a media resources centre for student use.

Other student support services include the university’s careers centre, welfare service, a counselling service, chaplaincy and childcare provision.

Research

Our lecturers in social science are all involved in national and international research cultures, publishing and speaking to national and international audiences, and are frequently reported in local, national and international media.

Ongoing research work informs our teaching, making it contemporary, innovative and dynamic.

Our degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour, supporting students to develop the ability to conduct research independently.

Community participation and development

Teaching and research within the School of Applied Social Science is supported by our links with local communities.

The School’s close working relationship with the university’s Community University Partnership project (Cupp) allows us to offer our undergraduate students the opportunity to combine practical experience within a community or voluntary organisation with academic study.

The Community Participation and Development (CPD) module offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for 30 to 50 hours on a relevant placement. Staff and students provide their skills and expertise, working alongside community organisations to help them achieve their aims. For example students on criminology courses may wish to work with a crime prevention organisation while sociology students may wish to work in a homeless shelter or a local pressure group.

It is offered in 10- and 20-credit modules at levels 2 and 3, and assessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based.
Student views

Robin Corker, Social Science BA(Hons), Graduate 2012

I loved the course; I can unashamedly say it has changed my life and future for the better. There were many positive aspects of the course. These included some exceptional teaching, inspiring modules, wonderful administrative support and tutor guidance.

Specific modules such as Global Social Policy, Sociological Analysis: Concepts & Theories and the Dissertation have significantly impacted on my future. The enjoyment, subsequent success and feedback I have had in these modules have made me realise that I can have a really successful academic career.

Now that I have completed my degree with a First Class Hons, I am going to do a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Brighton. Having spoken to my forthcoming Masters tutor I am also beginning my initial planning into my future PhD application. Following the completion on my PhD, ultimately I want to become a lecturer in Social Policy.

Virginia Silberberg, Social Science BA(Hons)

The best part of the course is that it covers such a wide range of subjects, I have not only learnt about psychology, but sociology, economics and aspects of care. I really enjoyed the applied psychology module I completed last term. It demonstrated how psychological theory is implemented in everyday life.

I also liked doing my research project earlier this year. We had the freedom to choose which area we wanted to look at and I chose to focus on body image as I have always been interested in this topic. It didn't feel like doing work at all. I know it sounds geeky but I did really enjoy reading lots of journals and strengthening my knowledge in the area.